Mad Dog’s conversion of BMW M3 into supercharged ute is a revelation!

Remember back in 2011 when BMW decided to give the world the most extravagant and most expensive April Fool’s prank that has ever been made? BMW shook the automotive world by presenting the ute version of an E92 M3.

For the sake of those who aren’t familiar with the term “ute”, here’s a little something for you. A ute, or a “utility” or “coupe utility” vehicle, is a term that is used to describe a traditional two-wheel drive passenger vehicle that has been modified to integrate a cargo tray in the rear passenger body. Simply put, it’s a coupe with the body of a pickup truck. Imagine it now? Now, this term is commonly used in Australia and New Zealand, as well as in the United States and has been popular since the 90s. It is a practical vehicle because of its larger storage capacity and is especially useful for those who like taking trips to the great outback.

Now, back to the M3 ute. BMW’s engineers actually took time and effort in creating the M3 ute, ripping off its rear roof but sporting the same 420-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine. The actual car was even tested on the Nurburgring race track but official lap times have not been released. It is the first M3 with a trailer tow hitch and it holds the record of having the biggest cargo capacity among the M vehicles. In fact, its load bed is made of high-grade structured aluminium sheeting.

The M3 ute was definitely a stunner but the catch is, it was never intended to be released for production. It looked like BMW’s engineers had plenty of extra time in 2011 to tinker on the M3s in their garage but not enough to mass-produce this baby. Hearts sank for those who were hoping and praying for an M3 ute while purists rejoiced. It was definitely the most extravagant April Fool’s joke that has ever been made.

Now for those who have mourned over the non-production of the M3 ute, there is still hope. Just recently, a guy from South Africa didn’t up on his dreams to own what could be the world’s only M3 ute. Rejoice and be glad, ute-lovers!

Someone outside BMW finally had the balls to chop off the rear roof of his E92 M3 coupe. Actually, he was not alone in this project. South Africa based tuning outfitter Mad Dog Racing assisted in the project.

The converted E92 is still powered by the well-known 4.0-liter V8 but sitting on top of it is a supercharger. Yes, you read that right. It is arguably the only supercharged M3 ute in the world with more than 400 horsepower up on its hood. Moreover, Mad Dog Racing is confident that the finished product is firm enough to hold cargo when used as a “proper pickup truck”. Even with its rear roof chopped off, the thick B-Pillar keeps things under control.

Mad Dog Racing has definitely high standards in creating the M3 ute with the bed liner and cabin’s sliding rear windows looking as if it came from BMW’s production center. The only giveaway is the tailgate that opens upwards just like in the regular coupe. Other than that, everything looks spotless, like it has been built from one of BMW’s production centers.

There hasn’t been any confirmed cost for this project but it’s definitely one of the most unique vehicles you’d ever find. Not everyone (especially purists) would love the M3 ute but it sure looks pretty good from a ute-lovers’ perspective.